In the high-octane world of professional darts, where rivalries fuel epic showdowns, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler stand as the sport’s brightest stars. Just days after their thrilling clash in the 2025 Premier League Darts final, where Humphries clinched an 11-8 victory over Littler at London’s O2 Arena, the world number one made a surprising admission about his fierce rival. As the two prepare to unite as teammates for England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt from June 12-15, Humphries praised Littler’s extraordinary talent, predicting that the 18-year-old sensation could dominate the sport for decades. “He will probably win much more than I’ll ever win in my career,” Humphries said, acknowledging Littler’s potential to eclipse his own achievements. “I love him. He’s a good kid and a close friend of mine in darts.”
The Premier League final on May 29 was a spectacle that underscored why Humphries and Littler are the top two players in the world. Littler, who topped the league phase with a record-breaking six nightly wins and 45 points, stormed to a 3-0 lead with his trademark power-scoring. But Humphries, dubbed “Cool Hand Luke,” battled back, leveling the score at 5-5 before surging to a 7-5 advantage after the break. His clinical 130 checkout and a decisive double 10 sealed the £275,000 prize and the prestigious triple crown, joining darting legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson. “This one means the world to me, that was the one I was missing,” Humphries declared, his joy palpable. Littler, gracious in defeat, admitted, “No one likes losing,” but expressed excitement for their upcoming partnership: “I can’t wait for the World Cup.”
The World Cup of Darts marks a rare moment when these fierce competitors will set aside their rivalry to represent England, the reigning champions. Humphries, who won the title in 2024 alongside Michael Smith, is no stranger to the pressures of national duty. “There is a lot more pressure when you’re playing for your country,” he warned, noting that Littler, despite his experience with high-stakes matches, will face a new level of intensity wearing the England jersey. “It’s not as easy when you’re playing by yourself,” he added, emphasizing the unique dynamics of pairs matches. The duo, dubbed the “Lukes of Hazard” by fans, are overwhelming favorites, with 16-time world champion Phil Taylor boldly predicting, “Luke and Luke – there’s the winners of the World Cup. They won’t get beat, that pair.”
Yet, the road to glory in Frankfurt won’t be without challenges. England’s top-seeded team will face stiff competition from formidable pairings like Wales’ Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, Scotland’s Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, and a new Dutch duo of Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen, replacing Michael van Gerwen. Former Dutch star Vincent van der Voort cautioned that individual talent takes a backseat to partnership in the World Cup’s pairs format. “If both of them play well, they absolutely can beat England,” he said of his compatriots, suggesting that teamwork could upend the favorites. Despite this, Humphries remains unfazed, relishing the chance to team up with Littler. “It’s always nice to share the stage with him,” he said, highlighting their camaraderie off the oche.
Littler’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Crowned the youngest world champion at 17 in January 2025, defeating van Gerwen 7-3, he’s already amassed over £1 million in prize money and a career-high world ranking of second. His Premier League campaign, though ending in defeat, showcased his resilience, with a 10-7 semi-final win over Price. Humphries, too, has had a stellar year, adding the Premier League to his 2024 World Championship, World Matchplay, and World Cup titles. Their partnership in Frankfurt is a dream ticket for England, but Humphries insists they must “take away that pressure and just go out and enjoy it.”
As the darts world turns its attention to the World Cup, the narrative of Humphries and Littler’s rivalry-turned-partnership promises to captivate fans. Their ability to balance competition with camaraderie will be key, and with the weight of a nation’s expectations on their shoulders, the “Lukes of Hazard” are poised to make history once again.
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